Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Intrepid and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Intrepid averages 465 complaints per year over 5 years, with engine failures a major concern, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years, with electrical and brake issues prominent. Both have serious safety implications, but the Intrepid's engine problems are more catastrophic. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Intrepid
The Dodge Intrepid, a discontinued full-size sedan, shows a heavy concentration of engine and cooling complaints, with owners describing sudden, catastrophic failures at highway speeds, often linked to the 2.7L engine. The pattern suggests a vehicle that can be reliable for routine driving but may suffer from a known engine vulnerability that can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation. With an average of 465 complaints per year over five years, it's a model that demands careful inspection and a cautious approach to ownership.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a popular full-size pickup, has a broader complaint spread across engine, powertrain, electrical, and brakes, reflecting its longer production run and higher sales volume. Owners report issues like sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures, often in newer models (2026), indicating potential quality control concerns. Averaging 510.5 complaints per year over ten years, it's a vehicle that, while generally capable, can have serious reliability issues that affect safety and usability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Intrepid | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,325 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 465.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 80 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Intrepid
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1,663
- 02POWER TRAIN166
- 03STEERING151
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
Owners report sudden, catastrophic engine failure, often at highway speeds, with symptoms like overheating, oil light illumination, and connecting rods failing. This can lead to a complete loss of power and dangerous situations.
Transmission and drivetrain issues include stalling on highways, random acceleration, and bucking, which can be alarming and unpredictable, posing a safety risk.
Steering problems, such as a loud pop and loss of steering assist while parking, indicate potential component failure that can affect control, especially at low speeds.
Brake failures include rear wheel lock-up due to e-brake issues and unintended acceleration that brakes cannot overcome, leading to crashes.
“I NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM, EXCEPT CLOUDY SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND AN OIL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IT BEGAN TO OVER HEAT AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO LANDMARK DODGE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TIMIN…”
“2003 DODGE INTREPID WITH 2.7 L ENGINE- EXPERIENCE SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS THAT THESE ENGINES EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF SUDDEN LOSS, AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. PUBLIC WEB SITES STATE THIS ENG…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints include sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and issues with diesel particulate filters causing excessive soot accumulation, leading to dealer visits and potential breakdowns.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can leave you without power, and other drivetrain failures that compromise vehicle control.
Electrical issues are linked to severe brake loss and steering becoming inoperable, often accompanied by warning messages, indicating a systemic failure that can be critical.
Brake complaints describe sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even with a firm pedal, and complete brake failure at highway speeds, leading to crashes.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Intrepid — 21 recalls
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Intrepid has fewer complaints per year (465 vs 510.5) but its issues are more concentrated on engine failures that can be catastrophic. The Silverado has a higher rate but over a longer period, with a wider range of problems. In practice, the Intrepid may be riskier due to the severity of engine failures, while the Silverado's issues, though more frequent, are more varied and sometimes less immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Intrepid's engine failures are often sudden and catastrophic, while the Silverado's engine issues include diesel particulate filter problems and loss of power.
- The Silverado has a higher number of electrical system complaints, which are linked to brake and steering failures, whereas the Intrepid's electrical complaints are fewer and less severe.
- Brake issues on the Intrepid include wheel lock-up and unintended acceleration, while the Silverado's brake problems involve sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
- The Intrepid has fewer recalls (21 vs 100) but its complaints are more concentrated on a single critical component, the engine.
- Inspect the engine thoroughly for signs of overheating, oil leaks, or prior repairs, as the 2.7L engine is prone to sudden failure.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting and any signs of stalling or bucking, which are common complaints.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and check for any warning messages, as electrical issues can cause sudden brake loss.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check the diesel particulate filter system if it's a diesel model, as soot accumulation is a known issue.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and inspect the engine for any signs of sludge or overheating on the Intrepid.
- For the Silverado, check the service brake system and electrical components, including the brake fluid sensor and any stored trouble codes.
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed for both models.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any transmission or brake anomalies.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine oil changes and transmission service, to gauge how well the previous owner cared for the vehicle.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Intrepid total complaints
- 2,325
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Intrepid total recalls
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Intrepid avg complaints/year
- 465.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Intrepid
- Dodge Intrepid top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE